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Pratt to run for 3-person County Council

Lovel Pratt announced she will file as a District 1 candidate in the San Juan County Council countywide election. The district covers San Juan and neighboring islands, but all voters in the county will vote for the position.

Pratt currently represents south and west San Juan Island in the present six-member council. She was defeated for re-election by 90 votes by Bob Jarman, who will join the council in January.

“I am running with the urging and enthusiastic support of islanders throughout the county, and I am honored by their confidence and trust. I look forward to the opportunity to serve on the council representing all islanders,” said Pratt in her statement announcing her candidacy. "I'm looking forward to talking with and listening to people from all islands in this campaign," she said.

Pratt points to 21 years of experience on San Juan Island in the areas of farming, education, and affordable housing as one qualification for the new council. She served for ten years on the Planning Commission (including two years as chairwoman), and one term on the current council, including serving as council chairwoman in 2011.

On the council, Pratt has been an advocate for the county in Olympia, serving on the Legislative Steering Committee of the Washington State Association of Counties and on three statewide committees related to oil spills and vessel traffic risk assessment.

Supporting a strong local economy and providing effective advocacy at the regional, state and national levels, are issues she is highlighting in her campaign. "I will provide strong leadership and advocacy for San Juan County in regional and statewide forums to address our county's priorities including ferry transportation, the increased risks of a major oil spill, and funding needs for projects such as major road construction," she says in the press release announcing her candidacy.

"I provided leadership on the county council to ensure that the Environmental Impact Statement scoping meeting for the proposed Cherry Point coal terminal was held here in San Juan County, and I've drafted the comment letters submitted by the Council," she wrote. "I'm committed to protecting our waters from the increased risks of major oil spills and protecting our economy which is inextricably connected to the beauty of our environment and the health of its ecosystems," she says.

Pratt supported the Charter Review Commission propositions. "I look forward to following through on the voters’ intent and I will ensure effective implementation of the amendments to our Home Rule Charter. I am committed to creating an open and welcoming atmosphere for community participation in the council’s decision-making process," she says

Pratt also supported formation of the Lopez Solid Waste District and the bid by Orcas Recycling Services to manage the Orcas transfer station, pointing to them as protection of local jobs and provision of local solutions to local problems.

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